Lenten Season · Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Mass · Year A
Matthew 26:14–27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
The Passion According to Matthew
March 29, 2026
Overview & Insights
"Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54)
Matthew's passion narrative runs from Judas's bargain with the chief priests through the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Jesus' arrest and trials, Peter's denial, the crucifixion, and the burial with the sealing of the tomb. It is the longest continuous narrative in the Gospel and the reading that opens Holy Week.
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Take it further: Matthew 26:14–27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54
Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 26:14–27:66Commentary on Mt 26:14–27:66 Working Preacher
Working Preacher covers the entire passion narrative and Matthew's distinctive details, including Pilate's wife and the thirty pieces of silver, which also covers everything in the shorter 27:11-54 option.
Matthew 26:14-27:66 CommentaryMt 26:14-27:66 Commentary CEP
CEP's commentary works through the full narrative from the bargain with Judas to the sealing of the tomb.
Matthew 26 CommentaryMt 26 Commentary Enduring Word
David Guzik's verse by verse notes on chapter 26 cover the Last Supper, Gethsemane, and the arrest and trial before Caiaphas.
Matthew 27 CommentaryMt 27 Commentary Enduring Word
David Guzik's notes on chapter 27 carry the narrative through Judas's remorse, Pilate, the crucifixion, and the burial.
Matthew 26 CommentaryMt 26 Commentary Precept Austin
Precept Austin's verse by verse commentary on chapter 26 covers the supper and Gethsemane in close detail.
Matthew 27 CommentaryMt 27 Commentary Precept Austin
Precept Austin's commentary on chapter 27 covers the trial before Pilate through the crucifixion and burial, including the shorter 27:11-54 option.
Matthew 26:26 CommentariesMt 26:26 Commentaries BibleHub
BibleHub stacks classic commentaries on the institution of the Lord's Supper at verse 26.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Matthew 26 - Catena Aurea / Church FathersMt 26 - Catena Aurea / Church Fathers Catena
Catena gathers patristic comment on the supper, Gethsemane, and the arrest in chapter 26.
Matthew 27 - Catena Aurea / Church FathersMt 27 - Catena Aurea / Church Fathers Catena
Catena gathers patristic comment on the trial, crucifixion, and burial in chapter 27, including the shorter 27:11-54 option.
Sermons & Reflections
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Cycle A Loyola Sunday Connection
Loyola's Sunday Connection page frames the Passion as Jesus' obedience to the Father through to death.
Palm Sunday (Year A) Catholic Productions / Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre points to details unique to Matthew, including Judas's remorse and Pilate washing his hands, within the day's full set of readings.
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